This week marks 100 years since the birth of José Alfredo Jiménez, the late ranchera icon whose musical legacy has stood the test of time, passed down from generation to generation.

Born on Jan. 19, 1926, in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato, Jiménez is considered one of the most important singers and songwriters of the genre, with transcendental hits like “El Rey” and “Caminos de Guanajuato” that captured the soul of Mexico. His music has been performed and reimagined by superstars including Pedro Infante, Vicente Fernández, Luis Miguel, Maná, and more.

As part of the centennial celebrations, a tribute was held in Plaza Garibaldi in Mexico City, a well-known spot where mariachi groups perform year-round. The event featured performances by María Elena Leal (daughter of the late icon, Lola Beltrán) and Gabriel Solís (grandson of the unforgettable Javier Solís), accompanied by El Mariachi Los Gavilanes de José Alfredo Jiménez.

Meanwhile, in Madrid, the exhibition “Pero Sigo Siendo El Rey” was inaugurated — organized by the Government of Guanajuato, the Mexican Cultural Institute in Spain, and the José Alfredo Jiménez Museum House. Open until Feb. 8 in the Spanish capital, the exhibit features photographs, discography, and personal items of the artist presented through three thematic sections: El Hijo del Pueblo, El Rey and Camino de Guanajuato.

Passing away on Nov. 23, 1973, at the age of 47, the actor and singer, who appeared in two dozen films, amassed an impressive catalog as the author of more than 400 songs that today are an integral part of Mexican culture and musically represent an entire nation.

On the Billboard charts, Jiménez had 12 entries on Top Latin Albums, reaching his highest position with La Historia del Rey, which peaked at No. 11 in 2006. The album also earned him his first and only No. 1 on Regional Mexican Albums, topping the chart for one week in March 2006. However, many of his compositions appeared on the charts through the voices of other artists: Luis Miguel’s versions of “Si Nos Dejan” and “La Media Vuelta,” for example, spent seven and three weeks at No. 1 on Hot Latin Songs, respectively, in the mid-90s.

The work of the “King of Ranchera Music” remains alive. As proof, here are 10 of his most-streamed songs on platforms today, accompanied by their release year, other artists who have performed them, and the meaning behind their lyrics. (The songs are presented in chronological order; those from the same year are listed alphabetically.)